Since the team's start in the 1980s, no Salinas High girls soccer team has ever made it this far. This year's team of 24 ended its regular season as undefeated league champions, earning them a home-field playoff match.

"It feels amazing to know that we're doing something that's never been done before and that we're kind of setting a new path for Salinas High soccer," senior Melissa Chin said.

Not only is this a new path for Salinas High soccer, but for all girls' sports at the school.

"It's a chance to show that it's not just the guys that are getting the extra playoff time, it's the girls also," Salinas High School Athletic Director Patty Lamar said.

"It's an example for the young girls in the community that if they work hard and do the right things, it pays off," head coach Ralph Bozzo said.

Lamar said the number of female athletes at Salinas High is skyrocketing right now. In fact, they're adding sports to accommodate the numbers.

"We've added new sports this year -- lacrosse and field hockey," Lamar said.

That makes eight sporting opportunities for female students, opportunities the girls have run with.

Now they hope to pass those opportunities along to others.

"Hopefully we can set new examples for the younger generation. Hopefully they'll come out and see us and give them more encouragement to do sports," senior Hannah Martinez said.

Playoffs will continue with Salinas' quarterfinal game against Carlmont. The game will be held at Pioneer High School at 2 p.m. Saturday.